Hello 2014!

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m more than happy to bid farewell to 2013. It was definitely not one of our finer years. I’m optimistic that 2014 will have us on a upswing and to start the year off right, J and I decided to do something we’ve wanted to do since we moved in 3 and half years ago – remove the over-the-range microwave and add some open shelving to our kitchen. Before we started we went through my inspiration file to help solidify a plan in our minds. We’ve been creeping toward a certain kind of ‘look’ with our house but the kitchen was still in a sort of flux between modern and kitschy. We have known for a while that we need to de-clutter and streamline things in there to better facilitate our meal preparation as well since we have a lot of counter space that was going unused due to random bits of ‘stuff’. After sifting through dozens of pictures, we decided we wanted something along these lines.
All of these kitchens are warm, modern and fairly uncluttered while not feeling sterile. They also feel right with our 1956 modern ranch and are welcoming and user-friendly, something we definitely want. After doing some research on vent hood installation, we took the plunge and bought a new range hood on Craigslist for $25. I used some Christmas cash I received from my mother-in-law, so no out-of-pocket expense for us.
Working underneath this microwave has been downright claustrophobic.
Putting up the range hood has been one of the best DIY’s we’ve ever done. Not only is it freeing for an enhanced cooking experience, it makes the whole kitchen feel a lot larger.
Unfortunately, the tile under the microwave had been removed so we had to install a backsplash. I don’t know if this is a ‘forever’ solution but it works for now. It’s also a lot easier to clean!

We’ve had this prep table from IKEA for years, ever since we lived in a house with zero counter space and J lovingly bought it for my birthday. When we moved into this house, we didn’t need to use it as much since we had a lot more counter space and it slowly became covered with a bunch of hot sauce and other debris. (It was actually a lot worse from when this picture was taken.)
We knew that some open shelving would clear up a lot of the clutter and give us back our prep table for actual food preparation. I used a couple of Lowe’s gift cards to purchase the shelving and hardware and J did a fine job of installing them for me.
I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference these two relatively minor changes have made. The whole kitchen feels so open now and is a pleasure to spend time in. Plus, we have tons of counter space now to work on. We’ve even uncluttered the long countertop.
The next thing we plan to do is hang the cast iron skillets on the brick wall similar to what is demonstrated in the upper left corner of our inspiration picture. We also need a new garbage disposal, since the old one is leaking, and I’d love to get a new single bowl sink. Baby steps, baby steps… We’re definitely closer to our inspiration, that’s for sure!

I’m also participating in the January Cure again over at Apartment Therapy. I was looking at some of last year’s projects, like the landing strip I created in the kitchen, and it’s still as neat and tidy as ever. If I can keep it up, in a few years my house may have some semblance of order! This year’s Cure is aimed at the basement and I’m hoping to get something, anything, accomplished down there.

So what about you? What have you accomplished so far in 2014? Are you doing the January Cure? Are you happy to see 2013 go? Share!

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About sugarshellandbutterknife

I am a work-at-home mother of two, daughter K who is 16 and son N who is 12. I live in a 1956 mid-mod ranch with my children and the love of my life, J. We're slowly renovating our house on a budget and love all things DIY. I hope to make this a place where frugal-minded folks like myself can exchange ideas, gain inspiration and find encouragement to tackle whatever life throws our way.

You’re so right—that hood makes a huge difference! We’re in escrow for a 1962 ranch house right now (I wouldn’t necessarily call it a ranch house but that’s what it’s listed as) so I’m eagerly following along with your updates! Hope 2014 is a better year : ]

Oh, that is so exciting!! I can’t wait to see pic’s and hear details 😉 Also, I read your post today and congratulations on your baby girl!! Yay for Anak knowing he was getting a baby sister all along, ha ha.

Yes, it’s given us so much more room in which to work. We’ve even been hanging-out in there more because it’s so clean and inviting. I’d really love to put a stool in there so I can sit and work sometimes.